After months of turmoil in Pakistan cricket, Gary Kirsten has been appointed head coach for Pakistan men’s limited overs cricket team, while Jason Gillespie will take charge of the Test team.
Kirsten, who led India to World Cup victory in 2011, has extensive coaching experience with South Africa and in club and franchise cricket. Gillespie, known as “Dizzy”, played 71 Tests for Australia and has coaching experience with IPL team Kings XI Punjab and Yorkshire.
The announcement at the PCB headquarters in Lahore follows changes in coaching staff and management after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Gillespie emphasized the importance of being authentic and genuine, and wants the team to entertain fans with fun and smiles on their faces.
Gillespie, who made his Test debut in 1996 and became Australia’s sixth-highest wicket-taker in Tests, is known for his all-round skills. One of his finest moments came in 2006 when he scored an unbeaten 201 against Bangladesh in the second Test.
With Grant Bradburn, Mickey Arthur, and Andrew Puttick all departing, Hafeez took over as head coach and team director following Pakistan’s unsuccessful tour of Australia and New Zealand. Pakistan aims to bounce back under the new coaching leadership and bring success to the team in future tournaments.